1884 3CN MS67 NGC. The mintage of proofs was more than twice
as high as that for business strikes in 1884. A paltry 1,700
strikes for circulation were produced, compared to 3,942 proofs.
This, of course, makes the 1884 a key to the series; in fact, it is
the key to the three cent nickel series, even though it has
the second-lowest mintage. As one would expect from a date with
such a total emission, each coin is a "first strike," and the
fields retain a high degree of initial polish from the dies. A
slight bit of cartwheel is also seen, a feature that would
definitely not be seen on a proof striking. The striking details
are just a bit less than complete, as would be expected from most
business strikes. On this piece that is most evident on the hair
curls of Liberty, while the ribbing on the columns on the reverse
is complete. Brilliant throughout. Tied for finest certified; one
coin is graded MS67 at each of the major services (5/11).(Registry
values: N4719) (NGC ID# 275F, PCGS# 3752)